Thursday, November 29, 2012

Press release: The day after polling day

-November 29th 2012 - First thoughts of
international election observation team assembled by Progressio, DPU and
Somaliland Focus (UK) for Somaliland’s local council elections on November
28th

The team of 50 observers from 18 countries observed voting at 20% of the more
than 1,700 polling stations, visiting 15 of the 21 districts across the country
where the election took place, and followed up by witnessing station counts
through the evening. Team members are continuing to observe counting and
tabulation ahead of final results.

The mission follows previous observations of elections inSomalilandin 2002,
2005 and 2010, which observers were able to judge free and fair. The 2010
presidential poll was especially notable for the peaceful and smooth transfer of
power on the defeat of an incumbent.

This poll is especially significant in that it will shapeSomaliland’s
political landscape by determining which three parties contest national
elections for the next decade. With a fuller team assessment to come in early
December, preliminary indications suggest that, despite some reports of
violence, and no voting taking place in some disputed districts in the country’s
east, Somaliland’s electorate has, once again, turned out with enthusiasm and in
large numbers.

Particularly heartening has been wide participation by female voters, a boost
in numbers of female candidates and, thanks to the lowering of the qualifying
age, youthful candidates standing in significant numbers. However, at this
interim stage, a few concerns have emerged, including, once again, apparent
attempts at underage and multiple voting.

Observers have also reported excessive use of force by security forces
outside polling stations in some areas; some poor organisation surrounding the
electoral process, including delayed opening of polling stations; insufficient
electoral materials; and technical problems with voter safeguards, such as the
ink designed to prevent multiple voting.

Fuller consideration of these matters awaits our interim report. In the
meantime, the team encouragesSomaliland’s National Electoral Commission to
ensure a transparent and accurate tabulation process and declaration of final
results. With the stakes so high, there is potential for post-poll disputes.

Steve Kibble, the mission’s joint co-ordinator, said: “We commend the
National Electoral Commission for ensuring that voting has gone ahead on
November 28th as scheduled. Now we look forward to a peaceful
conclusion to the process.”

A press conference will be held at the Hotel Maan-Soor, Hargeisa on
December 3rd at 9am